Seven village councils oppose NH-202 STMC, demanding immediate two-laning and release of pending land compensation to affected owners
DIMAPUR — Opposition to the Short-Term Maintenance Contract (STMC) sanctioned for NH-202 has spread beyond the Kiphire-Meluri stretch, with seven village councils along the highway corridor rejecting the arrangement and demanding immediate commencement of the long-pending two-laning project.
In a solidarity statement issued on Wednesday, the councils endorsed the objections raised by the Affected Landowners’ Union, NH-202 Kiphire-Meluri, which issued an ultimatum on August 18.
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The seven village councils stated that they were equally affected by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ (MoRTH) decision to sanction an STMC for the entire NH-202 corridor, describing the measure as a stopgap arrangement that failed to address their need for safe, durable and reliable road infrastructure.
According to the councils their villages, located beyond the Kiphire-Meluri segment, had witnessed repeated surveys, assurances and promises concerning the highway project for more than a decade.
They stated that villagers had given their consent and participated in multiple field surveys, including the latest in 2025, based on commitments made by the authorities. They alleged that these commitments had now been set aside in favour of what they described as a temporary solution.
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The village councils demanded that no STMC or temporary repair work be permitted on NH-202 and called for the government to immediately commence the two-laning project. They also demanded the release of all pending land compensation to affected landowners without further delay.
The councils warned that failure to address their demands would compel them to join the Affected Landowners’ Union in initiating “stronger democratic and public actions”. The statement was jointly issued by Kiphire, Singrep, Okhe, Phelungre, Longthonger, Yingshukur and Lihtsaoung village councils.